Welcome to the Legacy of Pastor Iap Han Chiong
Pastor Iap Han Chiong (叶汉章牧师) was one of the earliest known ordained Chinese Christian pastors. He was ordained on March 29, 1863, and served faithfully until his passing in 1912. As the longest-serving Chinese pastor in the Reformed Church in America (RCA) mission in Amoy (Xiamen), in China, his ministry spanned over four decades and left a profound impact on the local Christian community.
Pastor Iap’s legacy extends beyond his lifetime. His family members remained deeply involved in the mission, carrying forward his work and values. Even today, he is remembered by many Christians in Amoy (Xiamen) and across China for his dedication and leadership.
One of the key goals of this website is to correct historical inaccuracies — such as confusion over Pastor Iap’s birthplace and hometown — and to preserve his legacy with accuracy and respect. This site also seeks to document his descendants, many of whom played important roles in the early mission and have since passed on.
Equally important is highlighting the historical contribution of the RCA to medical work in Amoy (Xiamen), in China, especially the founding of hospitals and the training of nurses, including several nurse schools on Kulangsu (Gulangyu) Island.
This site is a living archive — a place to collect, share, and honor the stories of those involved in the mission, whether through historical records, personal accounts, or family memories. We welcome contributions from historians, researchers, and descendants who wish to help preserve this important part of history.
